Characteristics of Tranquilizer Use among Australian Vietnam War Veterans

Abstract

This study provides insight into the nature of tranquilizer use in an Australian population of Vietnam War veterans. The extensive use of these drugs suggests that further research and possibly intervention in this area is needed.

Tranquilliser Use in Elderly Psychiatric Patients

“…Subjects with comorbid PTSD reported a significantly higher Ham-A score compared with those without this diagnosis (p < 0.0001). 22 This study yielded significantly different findings partly due to the significant forensic history and use of other substances such as tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs in the younger group. 22 Diazepam was the most frequently used tranquilliser encountered in the younger veterans.…”

“…22 This study yielded significantly different findings partly due to the significant forensic history and use of other substances such as tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs in the younger group. 22 Diazepam was the most frequently used tranquilliser encountered in the younger veterans. Cigarette smoking was found to be the only independent factor associated with tranquilliser dependence in the Vietnam War veterans, but this same relationship was not observed in the elderly psychiatric patients.…”

“…20 • 21 A recent study provided some insight into the nature of tranquilliser use in a cohort of Vietnam War veterans at the Repatriation General Hospital (RGH), Adelaide. 22 The psychiatric unit at RGH has a strong focus in the provision of psychiatric care for both veterans and nonveterans. Therefore, RGH was selected as a research site to examine the characteristics of tranquilliser use and clinical correlates associated with tranquilliser dependence in an elderly psychiatric population.…”